________________
282
JAIN RAMAYAN
“What we have to do is to place before him the facts and then to entreat him to discover the truth behind these rumours."
“Then why delay ? Why should we not meet him at once ?" Surdev said expressing his opinion.
The eight leading citizens set off at once to meet Shri Ram. Vijayashreshti was given the duty of conveying the information to Shri Ram and to be the spokesman of the committee. Vijayashreshti felt uneasy. He knew very well that Shri Ram had great love and affection for Sita and he was fully aware of the fact that it would be an unpleasant task to say anything against Sita in the presence of Shri Ram. He wondered what the consequences would be. Shri Ram had fought a terrible war against Ravan for the sake of Sita and he also endured countless difficulties for her sake and so he thought that it was really
leasant to speak ill of Sita in the presence of Shri Ram. Vijayashreshti fell into deep thought and set off towards the palace in great mental agitation. He had to carry out a very important but painful duty.
The guard at the gate stopped them.
“Please, inform the king that the leading citizens of Ayodhya desire to meet him.”
The guard conveyed the news to Shri Ram.
Shri Ram ordered that the leading citizens should be at once permitted to meet him. The guard took them to the presence of Shri Ram. The leading citizens saluted Shri Ram respectfully and sat on the floor before him.
Shri Ram glanced at everyone and said in a soft voice : "You are most welcome here. I am extremely happy to see you. Kindly tell me, what you purpose is ? What may be the cause for this unexpected visit? I hope all our citizens are happy and cheerful. I hope there is no disturbance or lawlessness anywhere."
The leading citizens sat with their heads bowed and with their eyes fixed on the ground. They were shivering with a
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
